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United Way of McLean County
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WORKFORCE180

Connecting young people to stable, long-term employment.

JAKYLA CARVED A NEW PATH TO A NURSING CAREER

180-DEGREE CHANGE

 

JaKyla took a step toward her dream of becoming a nurse by moving to McLean County to attend Illinois State University. But then she didn’t get into the nursing program, and the financial burdens were mounting.

 

It seemed like a dead-end, but JaKyla chose to carve a new path: She switched to Heartland Community College, then enrolled as a Workforce180 student. The support from Workforce180 meant she could continue her education! She’s now studying at OSF St. Francis College of Nursing in Peoria, set to graduate in May 2025 with her BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

 

2019

  • Moved to McLean County
  • Enrolled at ISU
  • Application rejected to ISU nursing program + mounting debt

2021

  • Enrolled at HCC
  • Entered Workforce180

2023

  • Accepted to OSF St. Francis College of Nursing in Peoria

2025

  • Graduate with BSN
  • Begin nursing career!

 

JaKyla’s path and success is an excellent example of how your support through United Way makes a measurable difference for fellow McLean County residents. Your gifts make it possible for students to access the education and professional training that open pathways to prosperity. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for JaKyla and the other 70-plus students you are investing in.

LET’S CLEAR A PATH FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

HOW IT WORKS

 

Plenty of bright young people in McLean County want to pursue education and training for a career that will offer future stability and self-sufficiency. But various barriers block their way forward and keep them locked into financial struggle and instability.

 

Plenty of area employers are looking for trained workers. They need a pipeline of candidates to place as Certified Nursing Assistants, Paramedics, or trades workers (construction, plumbing, electrical, etc.). Participants learn specialized skills and earn certifications for in-demand careers. When a student successfully completes their certification, employers are waiting!

 

Workforce180 is the bridge: connecting bright young people to the job training and certified skills that lead to stable, long-term employment.

 

Here are two meaningful ways you can make a difference for Workforce180 students

 

GIVE TODAY

BE A MENTOR

 

 

Measuring 180-Degree Change

WORKFORCE180 REMOVES BARRIERS TO STABILITY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY

 

Launched in August 2019, Workforce180 is a direct response to the generational poverty and barriers that can prevent at-risk youth from stable careers and self-sufficiency.

 

Student cohorts are formed at the start of the fall semester, with each participant identifying their particular and potential barriers. Our team then gathers the necessary resources — such as social services, shelter assistance, childcare — to help participants solve those problems. Cohort participants meet regularly for the duration of the program to support one another, as well as receive support from professional trainers, mentors, and even potential employers.

 

The impact for the participants and our community is incredible! Investing in young people is an investment in our county's economic growth and vitality.

 

0 %

of Workforce180 graduates find employment in their field of training or pursue a 4-year degree

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participants in 2024

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donor ROI via Workforce180

Stories of Impact

Sierra has hard-earned strength and determination that she draws on every day serving patients as a CNA.

Sierra's Story

Young people are thriving after Workforce180!

Graduate Updates
See your impact!

You can help even more young people in McLean County overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.

 

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